Press
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Chrys Hutchings
Phone: 503.635.0002
Email: chrys@eco-luxuryfur.com
Conservationists and Furriers Cozy Up to Eco-Friendly Fur Product
Portland-based company offers luxurious fur throws and pillows without the guilt
PORTLAND, Ore. – March 7, 2008 – Today, a Portland, Ore.-based company, Eco-Luxury Fur™, unveiled its new line of products that are truly the ultimate in eco-luxury: sumptuous handmade fur throws and pillows that come from the Paihamu. The fur has the qualities of sable and mink but helps abate an ecological crisis in New Zealand. Eco-Luxury Fur™ products are priced far below most other fine fur varieties but still offer sophistication, comfort and personality. The company was born after entrepreneur Chrys Hutchings learned about the animal and issues surrounding its overpopulation during a recent visit to the country.
“Native animals and plants are threatened with extinction by the non-native Paihamu.” Hutchings explained. “Buying products made from this gorgeous fur can make a real difference. The fur exudes exceptional warmth, while still being lightweight and silky.”
In the early 1800s, Paihamu were imported to New Zealand from Australia as the basis for the fur trade. The Paihamu has the third warmest fur of any animal in the world. However, the new arrival had no natural enemies to keep its population in check. Today, New Zealand has seen the paihamu population skyrocket to an estimated 70 million. The animals now occupy 99 percent of the country and consume 20,000 tons of vegetation a night—enough to nightly fill a container ship. Native trees, crops and orchards are being destroyed and the Paihamu has been known to spread bovine tuberculosis to cows and deer.
New Zealand’s unique biodiversity is also at risk because the Paihamu competes for food and habitat. In addition to consuming flora and fauna, the beloved New Zealand icon, the kiwi bird, already endangered, is susceptible to this predator. Beautiful, giant land snails, found nowhere else in the world, are another victim, along with the chicks and eggs of many native birds.
The New Zealand government has been trying to control Paihamu-afflicted forests with a poison that has been banned from US federal lands since 1972 (1080—sodium monofluroacetate). The compound is spread by helicopters over large areas and often leads to poisoning other animals. Controlling the population by hunting and trapping is the option supported by conservation groups such as The New Zealand Department of Conservation, Greenpeace New Zealand, WWF New Zealand and more.
“My goal is to put www.eco-luxuryfur.com out of business for lack of Paihamu inventory in New Zealand,” Hutchings said. “When the Paihamu population is down to a level where native animals and plants no longer are threatened, then I will tuck into my last throw and read a book.”
About Eco-Luxury Fur™
Eco-Luxury Fur™ is an import company based in Portland, Oregon that sells handmade, luxurious products made from Paihamu fur. Its commitment to quality, sophistication and conservation efforts are paramount.
More information and product details are available online at www.eco-luxuryfur.com.
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